Panasonic FH5 vs Sony A550

On this page, we are reviewing the Panasonic FH5 vs Sony A550, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the FH5 (16MP) and the A550 (14MP) is fairly comparable but the FH5 (1/2.3") and A550 (APS-C) boast different sensor sizing.

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The FH5 was introduced 14 months after the A550 making them a generation away from one another. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FH5 being a Compact camera and the Sony A550 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting right into a in depth comparison, here is a simple summation of how the FH5 grades vs the A550 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A550. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic FH5 Gallery & Sony A550 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to carry around your camera often, you're going to have to think about its weight and volume. The Panasonic FH5 features external measurements of 94mm x 54mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.7") with a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs) and the Sony A550 has sizing of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") accompanied by a weight of 632 grams (1.39 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic FH5 vs Sony A550 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are utilising during that time. The following is a front view dimension comparison of the FH5 and the A550.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FH5 and A550 is 96 and 63 respectively.

Typically, it is very difficult to picture the contrast in sensor sizes purely by seeing specs. The image here may offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the FH5 and A550.

All in all, the 2 cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The FH5 using its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF tougher and the Panasonic FH5 will produce greater detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop images a bit more aggressively. The newer FH5 provides an edge in sensor tech.